Fort St. John

Bird Watching

Bald Eagles in a tree

Fort St. John's location in northern British Columbia makes it an excellent place for bird watching, especially during the spring migration period.

In early spring, snow buntings are occasionally seen flying roadside as they head north. As well, the Beatton River Valley is known for nesting gyrfalcons, and lucky birders to some of the Fort St. John's lakes may even spot a trumpeter swan.

Bird Watching at Watson's Slough

Watson's Slough, a 20ha/49ac wetland, is an excellent location for bird watching, and leisurely walking along the Ducks Unlimited trail in the Peace River Valley. Ducks commonly observed at Watson's Slough include buffleheads, goldeneyes, ruddy ducks, northern shovellers, American widgeons, and more. Other birds include Canada geese, redwing blackbirds, and grebes. Watson's Slough is located roughly 30 minutes from Fort St. John on Highway 29 towards Hudson's Hope.

Dedicated Bird Watching

A dedicated birder? The Fort St. John lagoons are 5km/3mi east of town. Many species of water birds spend time on the settling ponds of the lagoons during spring migration, including the American avocet. To get there drive east on 100th Avenue, exit the traffic circle on the airport road, and turn left at the first corner.

Enjoy a walk or easy hike at the Fish Creek Community Forest, close to Fort St. John. The community forest straddles the upland aspen forest and the coniferous valley, and birds in this area tend to be high up in the trees, and difficult to spot. Birders with a good repertoire of bird songs will have the most luck.

For the less dedicated, the backwaters of the Peace River form pond areas in nearby Peace Island Park where water birds can be observed while relaxing on the shores.